8 warning signs of colon cancer you should never ignore

Once cancerous, these cells can invade deeper layers of the colon wall and, if not treated, can spread to nearby lymph nodes and distant organs through the bloodstream and lymphatic system, a process called metastasis. The good news is that if caught early, these polyps can be removed during routine screenings like colonoscopies, effectively preventing cancer from developing or detecting it at a highly treatable stage.

Signs to Watch For

Recognizing the early signs of colon cancer can save lives. Here are some symptoms to keep an eye on:

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1. Changes in Bowel Habits: This can include persistent diarrhea, constipation, or a change in the consistency of your stool that lasts for more than a few days. Pay attention to how often you go, the ease of passing stool, and any new discomfort. If these changes are new and don’t resolve, consult a doctor.
2. Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying, especially if it’s significant (e.g., more than 10 pounds in a few months), can be a red flag for various health issues, including cancer. Cancer cells can consume a lot of energy, leading to weight loss even if your diet hasn’t changed. Track your weight and discuss any unexplained drops with your physician.
3. Blood in Stool: Bright red blood on your toilet paper or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement, or mixed in with your stool, should never be ignored. While it can be due to hemorrhoids or fissures, it can also be a sign of colon cancer. Always seek medical evaluation to determine the cause.
4. Dark or Black Stools: Stools that appear very dark, tarry, or black can indicate bleeding higher up in the digestive tract, which could be a sign of colon cancer. This is due to digested blood. If you notice this, contact your doctor immediately.
5. Iron Deficiency Anemia: Colon cancer can cause slow, chronic bleeding in the digestive tract, leading to iron loss and subsequent anemia. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath. If you’re diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, especially without an obvious cause, your doctor may recommend further investigation, including a colonoscopy.
6. Feeling of Fullness After Bowel Movements: If you consistently feel like your bowel hasn’t completely emptied after a bowel movement, or if you experience persistent abdominal discomfort, cramps, or gas, it could be a sign of a blockage or tumor in the colon. Don’t dismiss these persistent feelings; they warrant medical attention.
7. Excessive Gas or Bloating: While gas and bloating are common, persistent and unexplained excessive gas, abdominal pain, or bloating that doesn’t resolve with dietary changes could be a symptom of colon cancer. If these symptoms are new, severe, or accompanied by other concerning signs, consult a healthcare professional.
8. Absence of Symptoms: It’s crucial to understand that early-stage colon cancer often has no symptoms at all. This is why regular screening is so vital, especially for individuals at average or increased risk. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear; follow recommended screening guidelines to detect polyps or cancer before they become problematic.

Screening Recommendations

In the U.S., it’s recommended to start screening for colon cancer at age 45 for those at average risk. Here are some common screening methods: